John Leech His Life and Work

London: Richard Bentley And Son, 1891. First edition. Hardcover. Contemporary three quarter brown morocco, marbled boards and matching marbled endpapers. Near fine. 2 Vols. 268, 306 pages. 22 x 24 cm. Illustrated with portraits, black and white full page and numerous hors texte illustrations. Frith was a traditional painter and raconteur who had 12 children with his wife and seven more with his mistress. He eclipsed George Cruikshank, who always had his pencil at the ready in that endeavor. So much for Victorian prudery. Text and plates fresh and clean. Raised bands, gilt spine panels in arabesque motifs.